Formula diets are meal replacement plans in liquid form. The drinks contain protein and carbohydrates to give you energy while reducing calorie intake. Plans that utilize the formula diet theory are sold in prepackaged shakes or powder form that you mix with a liquid. The advantage to a formula diet is convenience. It is easier to drink a meal that has a measured calorie count than it is to weigh food and keep track on your calorie intake. The disadvantage is that once you start eating normally, your calorie count will increase and you may put the weight back on. Talk to your doctor before beginning any diet plan to ensure the program is healthy for you.
Optifast
Optifast is a full formula diet plan available from weight loss clinics or by direct purchase. Optifast comes in premixed shakes or as a powder that you can add to liquid such as low-fat milk. According to the company website, Optifast provides portion-controlled and calorie-precise meals that are nutritionally balanced. Those involved in the program report increased energy levels from the drink due to stable blood sugar and good nutrition. The Optifast 800 shake has 160 calories with 14 g of protein and 20 g carbohydrates in one serving.
Medifast
Momentum by Medifast provides meal replacement plans that contain 100 mg of caffeine to improve your energy. Each serving of Medifast also contains epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant found in green tea. The company website states describes different Medifast formulas, including shakes, snack bars, soups and powdered fruit drinks. Each shake contains 11 g of protein for energy. The products from Medifast are soy-based and gluten-free.
Slimfast
The Slimfast program substitutes two meals with a prepackaged product. The meal replacement selection could be a shake or snack bar. Slimfast recommends that dieters eat three snacks daily and a balanced meal for dinner with meal replacements for breakfast and lunch. The snacks can include fruits, vegetables, nuts or a Slimfast bar. According to Slimfast, the snacks help keep energy levels up between meals. Each Slimfast product offers 20 percent of the recommended intake for essential vitamins and 5 grams of dietary fiber. Extra-protein shakes provide 15 g of protein per serving.
Considerations
Meal replacement plans work well for some on a short-term basis. Losing weight requires you to eat less calories than you burn. A formula diet can help that process along, but extremely low-calorie diets are unhealthy. If you decide to use meal replacement products, do not reduce your daily calories drastically without medical supervision. The most effective diet should include a visit to your doctor and exercise. Increasing your activity level will build muscle and improve your fitness.
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